Chapter 8.3 AP World Vocab

Angolan Civil War

A protracted conflict that lasted from 1975 to 2002, primarily between the MPLA and UNITA factions in Angola following the country's independence from Portugal. This war was heavily influenced by the Cold War dynamics, as it drew in support from the Soviet Union and Cuba for the MPLA, while the United States and South Africa backed UNITA, reflecting broader global tensions.

Apollo 11 mission

The first manned spaceflight to land on the moon, occurring in July 1969. This landmark event marked a significant achievement in space exploration and served as a powerful symbol of technological and ideological competition during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Berlin Blockade/Airlift

Soviet attempt to limit the ability of France, Great Britain, and the United States to travel to their sectors of Berlin from 1948 to 1949, which led to the Berlin Airlift, where the Western Allies supplied West Berlin via air transportation. This event highlighted the tensions of the Cold War and the struggle for influence between the East and West, marking a significant point in post-World War II Europe.

Berlin Wall

The concrete barrier that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, symbolizing the Cold War's division of Europe into communist and capitalist spheres. Its construction marked a physical representation of the ideological struggle between the Soviet Union and Western powers, while its fall became a powerful emblem of the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.

Cease-fire through peace negotiations

The process where conflicting parties agree to stop hostilities temporarily or permanently while engaging in discussions aimed at reaching a lasting peace agreement. This approach is significant in conflict resolution as it can provide a platform for dialogue, address underlying issues, and potentially lead to the stabilization of regions affected by war. Successful cease-fires often rely on mutual concessions, international mediation, and can have lasting impacts on post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.

China and Soviet Union Relationship

A complex interaction characterized by ideological alignment, competition, and eventual estrangement during the Cold War. Initially united by a shared commitment to communist ideology, tensions arose due to differing national interests, leading to a split that significantly influenced global politics and shaped the dynamics of the Cold War.

Contras

A rebel group in Nicaragua that opposed the Sandinista government from the early 1980s until the late 1990s. Backed by the United States, particularly during the Reagan administration, they aimed to overthrow the Sandinista regime, which was seen as a communist threat in Central America. This conflict reflected broader Cold War tensions as the U.S. sought to contain Soviet influence in the region.

Demilitarized Zone

An area where military forces and equipment are prohibited or restricted, typically established by international agreements to reduce the likelihood of conflict. This concept emerged prominently during the Cold War, serving as a buffer between opposing military forces, particularly in the context of heightened tensions and ideological divisions.

Communist bloc

Region that encompasses various countries situated to the east of Germany and Austria, characterized by a complex history of political, cultural, and social dynamics, particularly during the Cold War and its aftermath. This region has been significantly shaped by its experiences under communist rule, the impact of decolonization, and the shifting balance of power in the 20th century.

French colonial rule

System of governance and administration established by France in its overseas territories, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This system aimed to exploit resources, spread French culture, and assert control over vast regions in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, shaping global dynamics and influencing local societies.

German Democratic Republic

Commonly known as East Germany, was a socialist state established in 1949 in the eastern part of Germany, existing until its reunification with West Germany in 1990. It emerged as a result of the post-World War II division of Germany and was heavily influenced by Soviet policies, both politically and economically. The GDR played a significant role in the Cold War as a frontline state in the ideological conflict between the capitalist West and the communist East.

Guerilla warfare

A form of irregular combat in which small, mobile groups of armed civilians or irregulars use hit-and-run tactics to engage a larger, less-mobile traditional military force. This style of fighting became prominent during the Cold War as various groups employed these tactics to resist foreign intervention and control, often relying on the element of surprise and local knowledge.

Korean War

A conflict that lasted from 1950 to 1953, arising from the division of Korea into North and South after World War II. This war was a significant manifestation of Cold War tensions, showcasing the ideological battle between communism and democracy and leading to long-lasting effects on both Korea and international relations.

MLPA

People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, is a Marxist political party in Angola that played a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule and in the subsequent civil war. Established in 1956, the MPLA became the ruling party after Angola gained independence in 1975, aligning itself with Soviet interests during the Cold War and impacting regional politics significantly.

North Korea

Established in 1948 following the end of World War II and the division of Korea. This state emerged from the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War, becoming a focal point for the ideological conflict between communism and capitalism, particularly influenced by Soviet support and American opposition. Its history is marked by authoritarian leadership, military conflict, and ongoing tensions with South Korea and other nations.

North Vietnam

A communist-led state that existed from 1945 to 1976, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. It played a crucial role in the Cold War, particularly through its conflict with South Vietnam and its alignment with the Soviet Union and China, reflecting the broader ideological struggle between communism and capitalism during this era.

Containment

A geopolitical strategy adopted by the United States during the Cold War aimed at preventing the spread of communism beyond its existing borders. This strategy involved a mix of military, economic, and diplomatic efforts to counter the influence of the Soviet Union and communist movements worldwide. It was a response to fears that communism could expand into vulnerable nations, influencing their political systems and economies.

Proxy wars

Conflicts where two opposing countries or powers support rival factions or groups in a third country, rather than engaging in direct military confrontation themselves. This strategy was notably used during the Cold War, as the United States and the Soviet Union sought to expand their influence globally while avoiding direct conflict, which could escalate into a nuclear war. By supporting various groups, each superpower could promote its ideology and interests while keeping hostilities at arm's length.

Reunification of Vietnam under Communist rule

Occurred in 1975 when North Vietnam successfully defeated South Vietnam, leading to the establishment of a unified socialist republic. This event marked the end of a prolonged conflict influenced by Cold War dynamics, where Vietnam became a focal point for both Western and communist ideologies.

Saigon

Largest city in Vietnam and was a major center during the Vietnam War. It served as the capital of South Vietnam and became a symbol of the Cold War conflict between communism and capitalism, showcasing the tensions and ideologies that characterized the era.

South Vietnam

A state that existed from 1955 to 1975, formally known as the Republic of Vietnam, which was established during the Cold War era as a non-communist government in the southern part of Vietnam. It was created as a response to the rise of communism in North Vietnam and became a focal point of U.S. foreign policy, leading to significant military involvement and the eventual escalation of the Vietnam War.

South Korea

A nation located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Established in 1948, it emerged from the aftermath of World War II and the division of Korea, playing a pivotal role in the Cold War as a frontline state against communism and shaping the dynamics of international relations in East Asia.

Sputnik

The first artificial satellite launched into orbit by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This landmark event marked the beginning of the space race, a crucial aspect of the Cold War, highlighting technological competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. Sputnik not only demonstrated Soviet technological capabilities but also instilled fear in the U.S. about the potential for missile technology and space exploration being used for military purposes.

United Nations

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It was established in the aftermath of World War II to prevent future conflicts and to foster international collaboration in addressing global challenges.

Vietnam War

Aprolonged conflict that took place from 1955 to 1975, primarily involving North Vietnam and its communist allies against South Vietnam and the United States. This war was a significant manifestation of Cold War tensions, as it highlighted the struggle between communism and democracy, while also shaping U.S. foreign policy and military strategies in the latter half of the 20th century.

West Germany

Established in 1949 as a result of the division of Germany post-World War II. It emerged as a key player during the Cold War, representing a capitalist democracy aligned with Western powers, in contrast to East Germany's communist regime. This division highlighted ideological differences and led to significant political, social, and economic developments that shaped both German identity and international relations.

Western Europe

A geographical and cultural region that includes countries like France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Benelux nations. This area has been central to many significant historical events, shaping political dynamics and cultural developments from the medieval period through modern times.

Sandinista government

The ruling political party in Nicaragua, known as the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), which came to power after overthrowing the Somoza dictatorship in 1979. This government played a significant role during the Cold War as it embraced socialist policies and aligned itself with the Soviet Union, leading to a conflict with the U.S. that heavily influenced Nicaraguan politics and society.

Sandinista-Contras conflict

A political and military struggle in Nicaragua during the 1980s between the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), which had overthrown the Somoza dictatorship, and the Contra rebels, who opposed the Sandinista government. This conflict was emblematic of Cold War tensions, as it involved U.S. support for the Contras and highlighted the broader ideological battle between communism and capitalism in Central America.

domino theory

The US theory that stated, if one country would fall to Communism then they all would. Dictated all actions and interventions the US government conducted throughout the Cold War.

Bay of Pigs

An unsuccessful invasion of Cuba in 1961, which was sponsored by the United States CIA. Its purpose was to overthrow Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization; an alliance made to defend one another if they were attacked by any other country; US, England, France, Canada, Western European countries

Warsaw Pact

An alliance between the Soviet Union and other Eastern European nations. This was in response to the NATO and attempted to rival NATO's power. This was to reinforce communist doctrine and maintain Soviet rule.

SEATO

Southeast Treaty Organization: Includes USA, UK, France, Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand to oppose communism in SE Asia.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

1963 nuclear-weapons agreement, which banned aboveground nuclear tests

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

An international treaty, signed in 1968, that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Lyndon B. Johnson

He pursued conciliatory policies with the Soviet Union, setting the stage for the détente of the 1970s. He was nonetheless committed to a policy of containment, and he escalated the U.S. presence in Vietnam in order to stop the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia during the Cold War.

Richard Nixon

The US foreign policy during the presidency of Richard Nixon (1969-1974) focused on reducing the dangers of the Cold War among the Soviet Union and China. President Richard Nixon's policy sought on détente with both nations, which were hostile to the U.S. and to each other in the wake of the Sino-Soviet split. Ended the arms race with the Soviets

Nikita Khrushchev

ruled the USSR from 1958-1964; lessened government control of soviet citizens; seeked peaceful coexistence with the West instead of confrontation, leader during Cuban Missile Crisis

John F. Kennedy

Implemented the "flexible response" defense strategy, one that relied on multiple options for responding to the Soviet Union, discouraged massive retaliation, and encouraged mutual deterrence. Oversaw the failed invasion of Cuba and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Containment

American policy of resisting further expansion of communism around the world